Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Civilian Astronaut

[Peter Rychel (dino308gt4]

Or, be a LEO, firefighter or paramedic.

 

Two years ago I had to do a confined space rescue for one of my coworkers as he got badly injured in a tanker trailer. He was inspecting the seal on the main drain valve by feeling it with his fingers. The valve was air operated and was slowly bleeding off when it just suddenly dropped, crushing his fingers. He triggered his man-down alarm with his other hand but he didn’t need to as we could hear his screaming throughout the shop... I jumped in, grabbed one of his wrenches and pried the valve up. It was very messy to say the least. Pulled him out, administered first aid and called 911. So, all of the above show up, police being the last.

 

The cops interviewed us and I walked them through the shop and to the scene. One of the officers asks if he can go inside to take photos. I eye him up and down and with all of the gear he’s wearing, there’s not a chance in hell this guy is going to fit (16” dia manway). Needless to say, cops don’t have confined space entry certification so technically, I couldn’t let him in anyways. I offered to take his phone and take pictures on his behalf and he allowed. When I got out and handed it back to him, he said: “man, you guys do dangerous work”. No I insisted, we don’t, you guys do dangerous work.

 

At the most, the greatest risk I face is loosing fingers from tools and equipment (I still have all ten, but multiple times I’ve come close). Cops, firefighters and paramedics have to face the ugly side of humanity. That takes courage.

 

Peter

 

Sent from Mail for Windows

 

 

From: Anthony Bauco
Sent: September 16, 2021 9:22 AM
To: PeterGT4
Cc: The FerrariList
Subject: Re: [Ferrari] Civilian Astronaut

 

That may be on a wall at a base but it is wrong.  Courage is knowing the risks and consequences but doing it anyway because you believe the rewards are worth it.  Fearless is being too stupid to understand the risks and consequences, nevermind being able to do a risk/reward analysis.  Reckless is knowing the risks and consequences but doing it always, even if it isn't justified by the rewards.

 

You don't need to be a fighter pilot to see all three.  Just play a team sport at the high school or college level.